Visit the Trail

Visit the Trail. Santa Fe National Historic Trail. , A Look Back in Time , The Santa Fe Trail began here in Old Franklin, Missouri. Pack trains quickly gave way to freight wagons lumbering to and from Mexico (now New Mexico). When floods destroyed Franklin, residents established New Franklin. The trailhead moved west to Independence and Westport Landing where river boats on the Missouri River delivered goods and passengers. , Preserving the Past for the Future , The Santa Fe Trail's designation as a national historic trail has led to increased awareness of, and protection for, trail resources. It has also opened opportunities for visitors to experience the route and related sites. Museums, visitor maps, brochures, and other information to assist with your travel plans. , These exhibits are part of a series along the Auto Tour Route to help direct you to local trail sites. Enjoy!, (quotes:), "For fifteen years I lived in Missouri, and during that time I dwelt in Howard County. I was apprenticed to David Workman to learn the saddler's trade, and remained with him two years. The business did not suit me and, having heard so many tales of life in the mountains of the West,… I concluded to join the first party that started for the Rocky Mountains." , Kit Carson in Kit Carson's Autobiography, Kit Carson was raised in Howard County and was listed as a resident of Fort Hempstead, near present day New Franklin during the War of 18 12., "The overland trade between the United States and the northern provinces of Mexico, seems to have no very definite origin: having been rather the result of accident than of any organized plan of commercial establishment." , Josiah Gregg in Commerce of the Prairies, Josiah Gregg was raised in Howard County and was at Cooper's Fort, west of Franklin, during the War of 18 12. His book about the Santa Fe trade was published in 1844. , (caption:), -On September 1, 1821, William Becknell and five companions left Franklin with pack horses carrying trade items. They stopped at Fort Osage, the last settlement on the frontier, to make final preparations for the trip across the Great Plains., On November 13, they were met by Mexican troops and three days later were welcomed in Santa Fe by New Mexican Governor Facundo Melgares. Upon their return, news that New Mexico was open to trade spurred others and the Santa Fe Trail was born.